Your Tennessee ballot

Constitutional Amendment # 1

This amendment changes Article I, section 15 of the Tennessee Constitution by allowing a court to hold a defendant without bail before trial when that defendant is accused of: an offense punishable by the death penalty, an act of terrorism, second degree murder, aggravated rape of a child, aggravated rape, grave torture, or any crime for which a convicted person would be required to serve eighty-five percent of their sentence. This amendment requires courts to state on the record the reasons for their decision to grant or deny bail in those cases.

Constitutional Amendment # 2

This amendment adds text to Article II, section 28 of the Tennessee Constitution that prohibits the Legislature from imposing a State property tax on real, personal, or mixed property.

Constitutional Amendment # 3

This amendment changes Article I, section 35 of the Tennessee Constitution by clarifying existing rights for crime victims and adding new rights. The amendment gives victims new rights: to fair treatment; to be informed about and participate in the parole process; to be protected from harassment, intimidation, and abuse; to be informed of the minimum sentence the convicted criminal will serve, as well as their scheduled release date; and to have their safety, their family's safety, and the public's safety taken into account before any decision is made to release the convicted criminal. The amendment also maintains or clarifies victims' existing rights: to be informed about legal proceedings involving the accused or convicted criminal; to be present at public criminal proceedings; to be informed of any release, transfer, or escape of the accused or convicted criminal; to talk to prosecutors; to make statements about conviction, sentencing, or release of the accused person; to a speedy resolution of the case; to restitution from the convicted criminal; and to be informed of their rights. The amendment does not restrict the powers of prosecutors or courts and does not create a cause of action or claim for damages against the State of Tennessee.

City of Memphis Charter Referendum Ordinance No. 5966

"Shall Article 34, Sec. 250 of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Memphis be amended to read as follows: 'ARTICLE 34: CIVIL SERVICE The Director of Personnel shall classify all offices and positions in the City service according to the duties and responsibilities of each position, provided, however, that the following officers and employees shall be exempted from the provisions of this article: a. Officers and judges who are elected by popular vote and their successors; b. Members of and employees of the Board of Education; c. Members of the board and employees of the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division; d. Division directors who are either now or may be hereafter appointed by the Mayor and Council; e. All employees of the legal department; f. Members of the various boards and commissions now existing or hereafter created; g. All staff employees of the offices of the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer; h. One executive secretary for each board, commission, division director, and for the administrative judge of the City court; i. All officers of the Memphis and Shelby County Public Library; j. All employees of the City Council office; k. Such other officers or employees whose positions, in the judgment of the Mayor, with the concurrence of the City Council, cannot be subject to the rules herein provided, and who shall not be affected by such rules and regulations. The provisions of this subsection (k) shall not allow removal of civil service protection from any employee whose position at that time is covered by this article.'

City of Memphis Charter Referendum Ordinance No. 5977

Shall the Home Rule Charter of the City of Memphis, Tennessee, be amended to require the Memphis City Council, by ordinance, to create a lobbyist registration and disclosure process to ensure transparency and accountability?

City of Memphis Charter Referendum Ordinance No. 5978

Shall the City of Memphis Charter be amended to authorize the City Council, in consultation with the Mayor, to establish by ordinance uniform and comprehensive administrative procedures for disposition of appeals, as required by law, that that may affect the employment status of a civil service employee, including the composition of boards, commissions and hearing panels with persons trained or experienced in labor and benefits matters?